A Brief Political Moment…

James Dobson, of Focus on the Family, would like people to think that when he speaks, he speaks for all people who are Christian. And perhaps he does speak for some. But he does not speak for me.
He recently posted a letter from the United States in 2012 if Obama were elected tomorrow.
I invite all of you to also read Jim Wallis’ response in his blog.

I hope people vote tomorrow. I am excited that the electorate seems involved and excited in this election, after years of embarrassing apathy. But I hope that people vote for their candidate because they are excited about how that candidate will lead our nation to be a better place for all of God’s children. I am concerned that people like James Dobson feel that fear is the only compelling reason to get out the vote.

And, truthfully, whether one votes for Obama or for McCain, our nation will not change as drastically in 4 years as Dobson or anyone on the left (such as Keith Olbermann at MSNBC) would like to suggest. We have checks. Balances. Different branches of power. Fear is a sad and unhelpful way to lead people. Dr. Dobson (and others) should be ashamed of using such tactics.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ was never about fear. Jesus came into the world because God loved the world. Jesus taught his disciples to share that love, to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, and to speak out against injustice.

Regardless of who wins the election tomorrow, our nation is going to have to learn to speak to each other with civility. I am concerned that people who follow Dr. Dobson will have no positive model that would allow them to interact with our society or in politics should Obama win. Stirring the electorate into a frenzied mob is no way to engage in dialogue or to produce change.

So, whether you are on the Left or the Right, please be in prayer for our nation. Please be in prayer for Senators Obama and McCain. Please be in prayer for each other. Please treat each other with the love that God has shown us in Jesus Christ. Please pray for a future guided by dreams and not by fear.